Take the quiz to explore the notion of boundaries of privacy across cultures. To what extent are your cultural customs regarding privacy boundaries similar or different from the tendencies practised in East European countries? Then, compare with the comments in Ponder Point 10.

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PONDER POINT 10 

Foreigners brought up in a different cultural context, coming to East European countries, may not realise certain cultural norms regarding privacy boundaries that govern social interactions in these countries. For example, when considering the situations mentioned above, one needs to understand that East Europeans may display the following non-verbal or verbal behaviours at the social level of interaction:

They would not go straight to greet their boss even if they see the door to the office open (Ad. 2); they would not invite their work colleagues to their place to cook together every few weeks (Ad. 2); they would not treat their colleagues for lunch if they have some good news that day to share unless the co-worker is a close friend (Ad. 4). They would not seek help from their co-worker in situations from their personal life unless the co-worker is a close friend (Ad. 7). 

On the other hand, they would start a conversation with their colleagues in the coffee room with chitchat (Ad. 3); whenever they meet, they would ask their co-workers how their family members are doing (Ad. 5); they would ask their co-worker to send regards to their family when they part (Ad. 6); and they would tell their colleague if they see some obvious mistake in his or her work (Ad. 8). 

Summing up, at the social level, East Europeans are polite and engage in small talk that is adequate to the situation. Yet, they may seem reserved and distant at first, especially if the relationship is formal and work-related. However, when one gets closer and starts interacting with them on a more personal level, they are warm, helpful, and eager to interact. 


Last modified: Tuesday, 21 January 2025, 7:43 PM